Well I think so. For example.

Hadley (small) AUD$279

Alice AUD$199

Airline AUD$199 (never heard of this model, told it's smaller then the Alice)

So now I am asking for help. I know many of you have these bags and have posted you comments before. I am asking for a direct comparison between these if possible.

Size, weight, padding, compartments, feel, etc.

These bags are sold in Sydney and I am in Melbourne, hence the request. Thanks

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002

Answers

Actually i just found info on the Airline bag. Doen't seem to be what I am after.

I need a bag to fit my M6, with 35 Lux Asph attached, 50mm Nocton, 90mm APO, Small Vivitar flash, SC-17 cord, wallet, small mobile phone and possibly anoth lens later on.

I currently own the a Lowero S&F 100, Domke F-803 (great but a bit deep), and the F-5XB (excellent but black and attracts dust and hair). I would like a bag that is a comibination of the two, also weather resistant. Which Billingham do you recommend and why?

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.

Also, is the Alice the same as the L2?

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.

I have both the Hadley (small) and the F-5XB. Although I love the fine quality finish of the Hadley, I use the F-5XB more simply because it has more breadth and thus can easily hold a M with the lens & lenshood attatched.

Were the Hadley bag 5cm wider, then it would be perfect for my needs.

-- Andrew Nemeth (azn@nemeng.com), March 23, 2002.

Andrew, thanks agin for the referral. I am guessing that the Hadley is smaller than the F-5XB, but what about the L2 or standard Hadley? Any experience? Also I am hating how I am always wiping my black F-5XB clean. Cat and dog hairs, dust, etc!!!

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 23, 2002.

you may have looked here already, but you can get the exact sizes at their website: http://www.billingham.co.uk/

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), March 23, 2002.

I already checked out the site, but numbers don't do me any favours and I've been burnt before. As I don't have any access to seeing the bags in the flesh I am relying on the wisdom of other forum users to provide some guidance.

Please help

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 23, 2002.

If you haven't done so already, check out http://www.rtsphoto.com/html/bill7.html

This site has more info that the official billingham site including recommended carrying capacity. Personally I'm after the Hadley Pro for use as an office satchel cum camera bag.

Hope this helps.

-- sunil (yatsunil@hotmail.com), March 23, 2002.

Hadley is smaller than the F-5XB, but what about the L2 or standard Hadley?

Thing is, I want a small bag! I already have a large one - a Lowepro "S& F Reporter 300 AW" - so I just need a bag which can hold a motorised of M with lens and hood attatched. The F-5XB lets me do this, but unfortunately the Hadley (small) with insert is 5cm too narrow. Take the insert out and the camera fits fine, but then things tend to rattle around inside too much and also the bag becomes to "floppy".

-- Andrew Nemeth (azn@nemeng.com), March 23, 2002.

does this store in Sydney have a website? or a phone number? I live in the States, but might want to have them ship me one. I have been eyeing these bags for a while.

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), March 23, 2002.

Thanks Sunil. That link was very helpful.

Matthew, the shop is called "Foto Riesel" Camera House.

364 Kent St Sydney Phone: +61 2 9299 6745 Fax: +61 2 9299 1658 sales@fotoriesel.com Internet: http://www.camerahouse.com.au/f_stores.asp

Hope this helps

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 23, 2002.

Kristian, these prices are not that great. Robert White has the same products at significantly lower prices. Check out his site & do the math (GBP = $1.43). Regards,

-- Jay D (jayd@netvigator.com), March 23, 2002.

Anyone know much about the S3 (series 3) bag? How does it compare to the hadley (small), Hadley and L2?

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 24, 2002.

Hi,

I live in Perth, WA and have a Billingham Hadley, it's an early model without the rear zip but I think that's the only difference. I can fit everything I need in that bag including two bodies, 50mm. 35mm, 90mm, 25mm & 15mm plus sekonic meter, small case for viewfinders, tabletop tripod and still have some space left over for half a dozen rolls of film. I have carted this bag around Europe, S & N America and here in WA and I love it. The only other bag I use is my LowePro Photo Runner if I just need one body and a couple of lenses.

Hope that helps.

Mark

-- Mark Griffin (jacaranda@mark-griffin.com), March 24, 2002.

Hi Kristian

I got my Alice for GBP63+3(shipping) in London. I use it to house 2 Ms mounted with 35mm and 90mm comfortably. The side pocket will house my metal hood + VC meter. Alice is a durable bag and it looks stylish. I even travel abroad with it. But if I do something heavy (3 Ms and more), Alice is not the bag.

-- Greg (greg_choong@yahoo.com), March 24, 2002.

Forgot to mention, if I bring 3 Ms or more, I use my Lowepro Reporter. It's a compact light weight Haversack which has a side-strap for my gitzo tripod. When I do nature walk or hiking, my hands are free!

-- Greg (greg_choong@yahoo.com), March 24, 2002.